Machine Learning Models for Parkinson Disease: Systematic Review.

Background: With the increasing availability of data, computing resources, and easier-to-use software libraries, machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in disease detection and prediction, including for Parkinson disease (PD). Despite the large number of studies published every year, very few ML systems have been adopted for real-world use. In particular, a lack of external validity may result in poor performance of these systems in clinical practice. Additional methodological issues in ML design and reporting can also hinder clinical adoption, even for applications that would benefit from such data-driven systems. Objective: To sample the current ML practices in PD applications, we conducted a systematic review of studies published in 2020 and 2021 that used ML models to diagnose PD or track PD progression. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines in PubMed between January 2020 and April 2021, using the following exact string: "Parkinson's" AND ("ML" OR "prediction" OR "classification" OR "detection" or "artificial intelligence" OR "AI"). The search resulted in 1085 publications. After a search query and review, we found 113 publications that used ML for the classification or regression-based prediction of PD or PD-related symptoms. Results: Only 65.5% (74/113) of studies used a holdout test set to avoid potentially inflated accuracies, and approximately half (25/46, 54%) of the studies without a holdout test set did not state this as a potential concern. Surprisingly, 38.9% (44/113) of studies did not report on how or if models were tuned, and an additional 27.4% (31/113) used ad hoc model tuning, which is generally frowned upon in ML model optimization. Only 15% (17/113) of studies performed direct comparisons of results with other models, severely limiting the interpretation of results. Conclusions: This review highlights the notable limitations of current ML systems and techniques that may contribute to a gap between reported performance in research and the real-life applicability of ML models aiming to detect and predict diseases such as PD.

Long-term outcome of percutaneous endovascular stenting in external iliac artery endofibrosis.

BACKGROUND: External iliac artery endofibrosis (EIAE) is a rare vascular disease which has been traditionally seen in avid cyclists. The conventional approach has been surgery, although no high-quality evidence suggests superiority of surgery over percutaneous endovascular intervention. There are limited data on the efficacy of stenting in EIAE. METHODS: Over a 14-year period, we treated 10 patients (13 limbs) with EIAE with stents. These patients had declined surgery. The mean follow up was 8.4 ± 3.3 years. There were eight women. Five patients were competitive runners, three were cyclists, and two were triathletes. The mean age was 40.7 ± 2.9 years and body mass index was 19.46 ± 1.6. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used in eight limbs. RESULTS: Procedural success was achieved in all. The recurrence of symptoms occurred in three patients at a mean of 9.3 ± 2.1 months postindex intervention. The other seven patients remained symptom free. IVUS revealed a pathognomonic finding which we termed 'perfect circle appearance'. It results from symmetric or asymmetric hypertrophy of one or more layers of the arterial wall leading to negative remodeling, which creates a distinct echo dense structure contrasting itself from the luminal blood's echoluscent appearance. It is identical to IVUS images of diffuse venous stenosis with important implications in the treatment technique. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that stenting in EIAE is safe and effective with a good long-term outcome. It can be an alternative to surgery, particularly in those patients who refuse a surgical approach. The IVUS image is pathognomonic and 'sine qua non' of EIAE.

Healthcare personnel with laboratory-confirmed mpox in California during the 2022 outbreak.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reviewed 109 cases of healthcare personnel (HCP) with laboratory-confirmed mpox to understand transmission risk in healthcare settings. Overall, 90% of HCP with mpox had nonoccupational exposure risk factors. One occupationally acquired case was associated with sharps injury while unroofing a patient's lesion for diagnostic testing.

Resilience, mental health, sleep, and smoking mediate pathways between lifetime stressors and Multiple Sclerosis severity.

Intro: Lifetime stressors (e.g., poverty, violence, discrimination) have been linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) features; yet mechanistic pathways and relationships with cumulative disease severity remain nebulous. Further, protective factors like resilience, that may attenuate the effects of stressors on outcomes, are seldom evaluated. Aim: To deconstruct pathways between lifetime stressors and cumulative severity on MS outcomes, accounting for resilience. Methods: Adults with MS (N=924) participated in an online survey through the National MS Society listserv. Structural Equation Modeling was used to examine the direct and indirect effect of lifetime stressors (count/severity) on MS severity (self-reported disability, relapse burden, fatigue, pain intensity and interference), via resilience, mental health (anxiety and depression), sleep disturbance, and smoking. Results: The final analytic model had excellent fit (GFI=0.998). Lifetime stressors had a direct relationship with MS severity (ß=0.27, p<.001). Resilience, mental health, sleep disturbance, and smoking significantly mediated the relationship between lifetime stressors and MS severity. The total effect of mediation was significant (ß=0.45). Conclusions: This work provides foundational evidence to inform conceptualization of pathways by which stress could influence MS disease burden. Resilience may attenuate effects of stressors, while poor mental health, smoking, and sleep disturbances may exacerbate their impact. Parallel with usual care, these mediators could be targets for early multimodal therapies to improve disease course.

Sexual Exposures Associated With Mpox Infection: California, November 2022 to June 2023.

BACKGROUND: Exposures associated with mpox infection remain imperfectly understood. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study enrolling participants who received molecular tests for mpox/orthopoxvirus in California from November 2022 through June 2023. We collected data on behaviors during a 21-day risk period before symptom onset or testing among mpox case patients and test-negative controls. RESULTS: Thirteen of 54 case patients (24.1%) and 5 of 117 controls (4.3%) reported sexual exposure to individuals they identified as potential mpox case patients ("index contacts"; odds ratio [OR], 7.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.5-19.3] relative to individuals who did not report exposure to potential mpox case patients). Among these participants, 10 of 13 case patients (76.9%) and 2 of 5 controls (40.0%) reported that their index contacts were not experiencing symptoms visible to participants during sex (OR, 14.9 [95% CI, 3.6-101.8]). Only 3 of 54 case patients (5.6%) reported exposure to symptomatic index contacts. Case patients reported more anal/vaginal sex partners than did controls (adjusted OR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.0-4.8] for 2-3 partners and 3.8 [1.7-8.8] for ≥4 partners). Male case patients with penile lesions more commonly reported insertive anal/vaginal sex than those without penile lesions (adjusted OR, 9.3 [95% CI, 1.6-54.8]). Case patients with anorectal lesions more commonly reported receptive anal sex than those without anorectal lesions (adjusted OR, 14.4 [95% CI, 1.0-207.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual exposure to contacts known or suspected to have experienced mpox was associated with increased risk of infection, often when index contacts lacked apparent symptoms. Exposure to more sex partners, including those whom participants did not identify as index contacts, was associated with increased risk of infection in a site-specific manner. While participants' assessment of symptoms in partners may be imperfect, these findings suggest that individuals without visibly prominent mpox symptoms transmit infection.

Effectiveness of take ACTION online naloxone training for law enforcement officers.

BACKGROUND: Training law enforcement officers (LEOs) to administer naloxone is a recommended strategy to reduce overdose deaths in the United States. To achieve this, an evidence-based and scalable naloxone training curriculum that is easy to use and readily scalable is needed. Convenient web-based training is a flexible method for delivering educational interventions particularly for LEOs who have irregular or shifting schedules. This study examined the effectiveness of a comprehensive web-based naloxone training that was created in partnership with LEOs on their knowledge, confidence, and attitudes regarding naloxone. METHODS: From May 2019 to September 2020, five law enforcement departments from Michigan participated in web-based naloxone training. A total of 182 LEOs (77% male) were in the final sample based on matching pre-and post-test surveys. LEOs were assessed on knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards naloxone. Negative binomial and Poisson regression was conducted to assess associations between knowledge, confidence, and attitudes towards naloxone before and after training. RESULTS: Significant improvements in overdose knowledge and confidence were revealed across all departments with median (IQR) total composite scores for knowledge increasing from 35 (32, 37) to 40 (39, 42) (p < 0.01) and confidence increasing from 18.5 (15, 20) to 20 (20, 25) (p < 0.01). Median (IQR) attitude scores did not change. CONCLUSION: Our web-based naloxone training was effective in improving knowledge and confidence for LEOs but did not significantly improve LEOs attitudes towards naloxone across most departments. The web-based format is readily scalable and quickly disseminated and meets the immediate need for LEO overdose training. Additional intervention is needed to address the negative attitudes of LEOs regarding naloxone.

Fatigue, pain interference, and psychiatric morbidity in multiple sclerosis: The role of childhood stress.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that affects nearly one million Americans. Despite the existence of immunomodulatory therapies to slow physical and cognitive disability progression, interventions to ameliorate common symptoms of MS, including fatigue and pain, remain limited. Poor understanding of risk factors for these symptoms may contribute to treatment challenges. In recent years, childhood stress has been investigated as a risk factor for chronic autoimmune conditions including MS; yet remarkably few studies have investigated the relationship between childhood stressors and chronic MS symptoms. Our aim was to examine clusters of stressors and three key features of MS: fatigue, pain interference, and psychiatric morbidity. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of People with MS (PwMS) via a national web-based survey that assessed the presence and type of childhood stressors and MS clinical features. Hierarchical block regression was used to assess associations among emotional, physical, and environmental childhood stressors and three clinical features commonly experienced by PwMS. RESULTS: N = 719 adults with MS (aged 21-85) completed the survey. Childhood emotional and physical stressors were significantly associated with overall presence of fatigue (p = 0.02; p<0.03) and pain interference (p<0.001; p<0.001) in adulthood, as well as the magnitude of both outcomes. Environmental stressors (p<0.001), in addition to emotional (p<0.001) and physical (p<0.001) stressors were significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity in PwMS. CONCLUSION: Childhood stress may predict fatigue, psychiatric morbidity, and pain in adults with MS. Further research is needed to show cause and effect; however, if an association exists, strategies to mitigate the impact of childhood stress could offer new pathways to reduce the severity of these symptoms. Broadly, this work adds to the body of evidence supporting upstream preventive measures to help address the stress on children and families.

A Preliminary Look at the Macrovascular System for Transmetatarsal Amputation Success.

OBJECTIVE: Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is a commonly used level of amputation that preserves most of the foot's function and independence. However, many TMAs fail, and patients go onto higher amputations. The primary endpoint of this study is to determine if source artery occlusions are correlated with TMA flap failure. METHODS: A total of 82 patients with TMAs were retrospectively reviewed for healing rates between 2009 and 2019 at a single center. Forty-five of the patients had an angiogram, which was analyzed for source artery and overall TMA failure. Of the initial 82 patients, a cohort of 12 had documentation of specific flap failure and an angiogram performed. This cohort of 12 patients was used for correlation of flap failure with source artery occlusion. RESULTS: Overall, the TMA healing rate was 45.28%. No correlation was noted between a specific source artery occlusion and overall TMA failure. However, a moderate positive correlation was seen with dorsalis pedis artery and peroneal artery occlusions and dorsal flap failure. No correlation was seen with the posterior tibial artery and plantar flap failure. A moderate negative correlation was seen with peroneal artery occlusion and plantar flap failure. CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that retrograde flow through the angiosome principle is what allowed for successful outcomes in TMAs. Physicians are urged to carefully plan, dissect, and preserve these vessels to help prevent TMA flap failure, especially in patients with vascular risk or disease.

Reduced Odds of Mpox-Associated Hospitalization Among Persons Who Received JYNNEOS Vaccine - California, May 2022-May 2023.

The effectiveness of 1 dose of JYNNEOS vaccine (modified vaccinia Ankara vaccine, Bavarian Nordic) against hospitalization for mpox (caused by Monkeypox virus), has been demonstrated; however, the impact of 2 doses on hospitalization risk, especially among persons infected with HIV, who are at higher risk for severe disease, is an important factor in evaluating vaccine effectiveness against mpox disease severity and Monkeypox virus infection. Surveillance data collected by the California Department of Public Health were used to evaluate whether receipt of 2 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine reduced the odds of hospitalization among persons with mpox. The odds of hospitalization among persons with mpox who had received 1 or 2 JYNNEOS doses were 0.27 (95% CI = 0.08-0.65) and 0.20 (95% CI = 0.01-0.90), respectively, compared with unvaccinated mpox patients. In mpox patients with HIV infection, the odds of hospitalization among those who had received 1 JYNNEOS vaccine dose was 0.28 (95% CI = 0.05-0.91) times that of those who were unvaccinated. No mpox-associated hospitalizations were identified among persons infected with HIV who had received 2 JYNNEOS vaccine doses. To optimize durable immunity, all eligible persons at risk for mpox, especially those infected with HIV, should complete the 2-dose JYNNEOS series.

Tolerability and blinding of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation among older adults at intensities of up to 4 mA per electrode.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated tolerability, blinding, and double-blinding of High-Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) at amplitudes above 2 milliamps (mA). OBJECTIVE: We examined a) tolerability of HD-tDCS during stimulation sessions and b) blinding and double blinding of participants and study team members. METHODS: Data from a mixed neurologic sample of 292 older adults were pooled from 3046 HD-tDCS sessions (2329 active; 717 sham). Per electrode amplitudes ranged from 1 mA to 4 mA with total currents up to 10 mA. Participants completed a standardized sensation (tolerability) questionnaire after each session. Participants and study team members stated whether the participant received active or sham stimulation at the end of various sessions. Data were collapsed into the presence/absence of a symptom due to low rates of positive responding and were analyzed for both differences and bioequivalency. RESULTS: There were no safety-related adverse events. HD-tDCS was well tolerated with mostly no ("none") or "mild" sensations reported across sessions, regardless of active or sham condition and in both stimulation naïve and experienced participants. There were no significant differences in side effects between active and sham, with some achieving bioequivalence. Tingling and itching were significantly more common after lower (<2 mA) than higher (≥3 mA) amplitude active sessions, while skin redness was significantly more common after higher amplitudes. Blinding was effective at the participant and study team levels. CONCLUSIONS: HD-tDCS was well tolerated with center electrode amplitudes up to 4 mA. The bimodal ramp-up/down format of the sham was effective for blinding. These results support higher scalp-based amplitudes that enable greater brain-based current intensities in older adults.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Modes of Health Information Acquisition, Sharing, and Use Questionnaire: Prospective Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Health information is a critical resource for individuals with health concerns and conditions, such as hypertension. Enhancing health information behaviors may help individuals to better manage chronic illness. The Modes of Health Information Acquisition, Sharing, and Use (MHIASU) is a 23-item questionnaire that measures how individuals with health risks or chronic illness acquire, share, and use health information. Yet this measure has not been psychometrically evaluated in a large national sample. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the self-administered MHIASU in a large, diverse cohort of individuals living with a chronic illness. METHODS: Sharing Information, a prospective, observational study, was launched in August 2018 and used social media campaigns to advertise to Black women. Individuals who were interested in participating clicked on the advertisements and were redirected to a Qualtrics eligibility screener. To meet eligibility criteria individuals had to self-identify as a Black woman, be diagnosed with hypertension by a health care provider, and live in the United States. A total of 320 Black women with hypertension successfully completed the eligibility screener and then completed a web-based version of the MHIASU questionnaire. We conducted a psychometric evaluation of the MHIASU using exploratory factor analysis. The evaluation included item review, construct validity, and reliability. RESULTS: Construct validity was established using exploratory factor analysis with principal axis factoring. The analysis was constricted to the expected domains. Interitem correlations were examined for possible item extraction. There were no improvements in factor structure with the removal of items with high interitem correlation (n=3), so all items of the MHIASU were retained. As anticipated, the instrument was found to have 3 subscales: acquisition, sharing, and use. Reliability was high for all 3 subscales, as evidenced by Cronbach α scores of .81 (acquisition), .81 (sharing), and .93 (use). Factor 3 (use of health information) explained the maximum variance (74%). CONCLUSIONS: Construct validity and reliability of the web-based, self-administered MHIASU was demonstrated in a large national cohort of Black women with hypertension. Although this sample was highly educated and may have had higher digital literacy compared to other samples not recruited via social media, the population captured (Black women living with hypertension) are often underrepresented in research and are particularly vulnerable to this chronic condition. Future studies can use the MHIASU to examine health information behavior in other diverse populations managing health concerns and conditions.

A multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of a novel autologous heterogeneous skin construct in the treatment of Wagner one diabetic foot ulcers: Final analysis.

A novel autologous heterogeneous skin construct (AHSC) was previously shown to be effective versus standard of care (SOC) treatment in facilitating complete wound healing of Wagner 1 diabetic foot ulcers in an interim analysis of 50 patients previously published. We now report the final analysis of 100 patients (50 per group), which further supports the interim analysis findings. Forty-five subjects in the AHSC treatment group received only one application of the autologous heterogeneous skin construct, and five received two applications. For the primary endpoint at 12 weeks, there were significantly more diabetic wounds closed in the AHSC treatment group (35/50, 70%) than in the SOC control group (17/50, 34%) (p = 0.00032). A significant difference in percentage area reduction between groups was also demonstrated over 8 weeks (p = 0.009). Forty-nine subjects experienced 148 adverse events: 66 occurred in 21 subjects (42%) in the AHSC treatment group versus 82 in 28 SOC control group subjects (56.0%). Eight subjects were withdrawn due to serious adverse events. Autologous heterogeneous skin construct was shown to be an effective adjunctive therapy for healing Wagner 1 diabetic foot ulcers.

Prolonged bouts of sedentary behavior in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and associated factors.

BACKGROUND: Increased sedentary behavior (SB), especially in prolonged bouts, is associated with adverse health outcomes, but little is known about patterns of SB in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe SB and patterns of SB and to examine factors associated with prolonged bouts of SB in inactive community-dwelling adults with COPD. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis used data from inactive adults with COPD who were enrolled in an exercise program but had not started exercising. Participants were ≥ 50 years old with a diagnosis of COPD, had a forced expiratory volume in one second < 80% predicted, and were inactive. Participants wore an activPAL device for seven days to measure their SB and completed surveys and physical measures. Data were analyzed with multiple regression. RESULTS: The sample included 160 participants with a mean age (± SD) of 69 ± 8, and a mean total sedentary time of 742 ± 150 min/day, with 254 ± 146 min/day in SB bouts ≥ 60 min. DURATION: Time spent in bouts of SB ≥ 60-min. was negatively associated with self-efficacy for overcoming barriers to light physical activity (P<0.05), balance (P<0.05), chair stand test (P<0.05), FEV1% predicted (P<0.05) and positively associated with BMI (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inactive people with COPD engage in extensive SB, much of it in prolonged bouts. Self-efficacy, balance, and lower body strength are modifiable variables associated with SB and potential targets for future interventions to reduce time in prolonged sedentary behavior.

Comparing 7-Day Versus 6-8-Day Penicillin Treatment Intervals Among Pregnant People With Syphilis of Late or Unknown Duration: No Difference Found in Incidence of Congenital Syphilis.

Background: Guidelines recommend that pregnant patients with syphilis of late/unknown duration be treated with benzathine penicillin G, dosed as 3 weekly intramuscular injections (BPGx3) given ideally at strict 7-day intervals. Given limited pharmacokinetic data, it is unknown whether more flexible BPG treatment intervals might be effective in preventing congenital syphilis (CS). Methods: We used California surveillance data to identify birthing parent/infant dyads wherein the pregnant parent had syphilis of late/unknown duration between January 1, 2016 - June 30, 2019. We divided the dyads into 3 groups based on prenatal treatment: (1) BPGx3 at strict 7-day intervals, (2) BPGx3 at 6-8 day intervals, and (3) no/inadequate treatment. We then compared CS incidence among infants in each group. Results: We analyzed 1,092 parent/infant dyads: 607 (55.6%) in the 7-day treatment group, 70 (6.4%) in the 6-8 day treatment group, and 415 (38.0%) in the no/inadequate treatment group. The incidence proportion of infants meeting CS criteria in each group was, respectively, 5.6%, 5.7%, and 36.9%. Compared with BPGx3 at 7-day intervals, the odds of CS were 1.0 [95% CI 0.4-3.0] in the 6-8 day group and 9.8 [95% CI 6.6-14.7] in the no/inadequate treatment group. Conclusions: Prenatal BPGx3 at 6-8 days was no more likely to lead to CS in infants than 7-days. These findings hint that 6-8-day intervals might be adequate to prevent CS among pregnant people with syphilis of late/unknown duration. Consequently, it is possible that CS evaluation beyond an RPR at delivery may be unnecessary in asymptomatic infants whose parents received BPGx3 at 6-8 days.

Associations of Co-occurring Symptom Trajectories With Sex, Race, Ethnicity, and Health Care Utilization in Children.

Importance: Co-occurring physical and psychological symptoms during childhood and early adolescence may increase risk of symptom persistence into adulthood. Objective: To describe co-occurring pain, psychological, and sleep disturbance symptom (pain-PSS) trajectories in a diverse cohort of children and the association of symptom trajectory with health care utilization. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, collected between 2016 and 2022 at 21 research sites across the US. Participants included children with 2 to 4 complete annual symptom assessments. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to March 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Four-year symptom trajectories were derived from multivariate latent growth curve analyses. Pain-PSS scores, including depression and anxiety, were measured using subscales from the Child Behavior Checklist and the Sleep Disturbance Scale of Childhood. Nonroutine medical care and mental health care utilization were measured using medical history and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) items. Results: A total of 11 473 children (6018 [52.5%] male; mean [SD] age at baseline, 9.91 [0.63] years) were included in analyses. Four no pain-PSS and 5 pain-PSS trajectories were supported with good or excellent model fit (predicted probabilities, 0.87-0.96). Most children (9327 [81.3%]) had asymptomatic or low, intermittent, or single symptom trajectories. Approximately 1 in 5 children (2146 [18.7%]) had moderate to high co-occurring symptom trajectories that persisted or worsened. Compared with White children, there was a lower relative risk of having moderate to high co-occurring symptom trajectories among Black children (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] range, 0.15-0.38), Hispanic children (aRRR range, 0.58-0.67), and children who identified as another race (including American Indian, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and other Pacific Islader; aRRR range, 0.43-0.59). Less than half of children with moderate to high co-occurring symptom trajectories used nonroutine health care, despite higher utilization compared with asymptomatic children (nonroutine medical care: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.43 [95% CI, 1.97-2.99]; mental health services: aOR, 26.84 [95% CI, 17.89-40.29]). Black children were less likely to report nonroutine medical care (aOR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.52-0.71]) or mental health care (aOR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.54-0.87]) than White children, while Hispanic children were less likely to have used mental health care (aOR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.47-0.73]) than non-Hispanic children. Lower household income was associated with lower odds of nonroutine medical care (aOR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.77-0.99]) but not mental health care. Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest there is a need for innovative and equitable intervention approaches to decrease the potential for symptom persistence during adolescence.

Associations Between Vascular Risk Factor Levels and Cognitive Decline Among Stroke Survivors.

Importance: Incident stroke is associated with accelerated cognitive decline. Whether poststroke vascular risk factor levels are associated with faster cognitive decline is uncertain. Objective: To evaluate associations of poststroke systolic blood pressure (SBP), glucose, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels with cognitive decline. Design, Setting, and Participants: Individual participant data meta-analysis of 4 US cohort studies (conducted 1971-2019). Linear mixed-effects models estimated changes in cognition after incident stroke. Median (IQR) follow-up was 4.7 (2.6-7.9) years. Analysis began August 2021 and was completed March 2023. Exposures: Time-dependent cumulative mean poststroke SBP, glucose, and LDL cholesterol levels. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was change in global cognition. Secondary outcomes were change in executive function and memory. Outcomes were standardized as t scores (mean [SD], 50 [10]); a 1-point difference represents a 0.1-SD difference in cognition. Results: A total of 1120 eligible dementia-free individuals with incident stroke were identified; 982 (87.7%) had available covariate data and 138 (12.3%) were excluded for missing covariate data. Of the 982, 480 (48.9%) were female individuals, and 289 (29.4%) were Black individuals. The median age at incident stroke was 74.6 (IQR, 69.1-79.8; range, 44.1-96.4) years. Cumulative mean poststroke SBP and LDL cholesterol levels were not associated with any cognitive outcome. However, after accounting for cumulative mean poststroke SBP and LDL cholesterol levels, higher cumulative mean poststroke glucose level was associated with faster decline in global cognition (-0.04 points/y faster per each 10-mg/dL increase [95% CI, -0.08 to -0.001 points/y]; P = .046) but not executive function or memory. After restricting to 798 participants with apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) data and controlling for APOE4 and APOE4 × time, higher cumulative mean poststroke glucose level was associated with a faster decline in global cognition in models without and with adjustment for cumulative mean poststroke SBP and LDL cholesterol levels (-0.05 points/y faster per 10-mg/dL increase [95% CI, -0.09 to -0.01 points/y]; P = .01; -0.07 points/y faster per 10-mg/dL increase [95% CI, -0.11 to -0.03 points/y]; P = .002) but not executive function or memory declines. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, higher poststroke glucose levels were associated with faster global cognitive decline. We found no evidence that poststroke LDL cholesterol and SBP levels were associated with cognitive decline.

Associations among stressors across the lifespan, disability, and relapses in adults with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Stress and adversity during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood could impact the present and future health and well-being of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS); however, a lifespan approach and nuanced stressor data are scarce in this nascent area of research. Our aim was to examine relationships among comprehensively measured lifetime stressors and two self-reported MS outcomes: (1) disability and (2) relapse burden changes since COVID-19 onset. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected from a nationally distributed survey of U.S.-based adults with MS. Hierarchical block regressions were used to sequentially evaluate contributions to both outcomes independently. Likelihood ratio (LR) tests and Akaike information criterion (AIC) were used to evaluate additional predictive variance and model fit. RESULTS: A total of 713 participants informed either outcome. Most respondents (84%) were female, 79% had relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), and mean (SD) age was 49 (12.7) years. Childhood (R2  = .261, p < .001; AIC = 1063, LR p < .05) and adulthood stressors (R2  = .2725, p < .001, AIC = 1051, LR p < .001) contributed significantly to disability, above and beyond prior nested models. Only adulthood stressors (R2  = .0534, p < .001; AIC = 1572, LR p < .01) significantly contributed above the nested model for relapse burden changes since COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Stressors across the lifespan are commonly reported in PwMS and could contribute to disease burden. Incorporating this perspective into the "lived experience with MS" could facilitate personalized health care by addressing key stress-related exposures and inform intervention research to improve well-being.

Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: Nociplastic Pain and Pain Catastrophizing as Predictors of Pain Interference and Opioid Consumption.

OBJECTIVES: Some patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) have features of nociplastic pain. While research suggests that many patients with nociplastic pain consume more opioids due to opioid nonresponsiveness, little is known about the impact of nociplastic pain and pain catastrophizing on opioid consumption and pain interference among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with SCD. The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize nociplastic pain and pain catastrophizing among AYA with SCD, and (2) determine whether these characterizations are associated with subsequent opioid consumption and pain interference 1 month after characterization. METHODS: Participants completed surveys characterizing nociplastic pain and catastrophizing at a routine clinic visit (baseline). Thereafter, participants received weekly text messages that included pain interference and opioid consumption surveys. Multipredictor 2-part models were used to evaluate the predictive relationships between baseline characterizations and subsequent pain interference, and opioid consumption. RESULTS: Forty-eight AYA aged 14 to 35 completed baseline measures. Twenty-five percent of participants had scores suggestive of nociplastic pain. Greater nociplastic pain features significantly increased the odds of consuming opioids (odds ratio=1.2) and having greater interference from pain (odds ratio=1.46). Regression analyses found that greater baseline nociplastic pain characteristics were significantly associated with opioid consumption (ß=0.13) and pain interference (ß=0.061); whereas higher pain catastrophizing scores predicted less opioid consumption (ß=-0.03) and less pain interference (ß=-0.0007). DISCUSSION: In this sample of AYA with SCD, features of nociplastic pain predicted higher subsequent opioid consumption and pain interference. Being aware of nociplastic pain features in patients with SCD may better guide individualized pain management.

Reaching Populations to Address Disparities in Cancer Care Delivery: Results From a Six-Site Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Large segments of the US population do not receive quality cancer care due to pervasive and systemic inequities, which can increase morbidity and mortality. Multicomponent, multilevel interventions can address inequities and improve care, but only if they reach communities with suboptimal access. Intervention studies often underenroll individuals from historically excluded groups. METHODS: The Alliance to Advance Patient-Centered Cancer Care includes 6 grantees across the United States who implemented unique multicomponent, multilevel intervention programs with common goals of reducing disparities, increasing engagement, and improving the quality of care for targeted populations. The Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework informed the evaluation efforts across sites. Each Alliance site identified their intended populations, which included underrepresented minorities (eg, Black and Latinx persons), individuals who prefer a language other than English, and rural residents. We evaluated the demographic characteristics of participants to determine program reach. RESULTS: Between 2018 and 2020, a total of 2,390 of 5,309 potentially eligible participants were enrolled across the 6 sites. The proportion of enrolled individuals with selected characteristics included 38% (n=908) Black adults, 24% (n=574) Latinx adults, 19% (n=454) preferring a language other than English, and 30% (n=717) rural residents. The proportion of those enrolled who were the intended population was commensurate to the proportion with desired characteristics in those identified as potentially eligible. CONCLUSIONS: The grantees met or exceeded enrollments from their intended populations who have been underserved by quality cancer care into patient-centered intervention programs. Intentional application of recruitment/engagement strategies is needed to reach individuals from historically underserved communities.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Mental Healthcare in Youth With Incarcerated Parents.

INTRODUCTION: Youth with incarcerated parents experience more adverse childhood experiences than other youth, placing them at higher risk for mental health and substance use disorders. Despite their increased risk, these youth may be less likely to access mental health services, particularly given their racial and ethnic makeup. Therefore, this study aimed to assess racial and ethnic disparities in access to mental health services for youth with incarcerated parents. METHODS: This secondary data analysis used longitudinal data from 2016 to 2019 from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Logistic regression models assessed the relationships among incarceration, cumulative childhood experiences, DSM-5 diagnoses, and mental health services. Additional analyses stratified these models by race and ethnicity. All analyses were performed in 2022. RESULTS: Youth with incarcerated parents were more likely to report 4 or more childhood experiences (51% vs 14%; AOR=3.92; 95% CI=3.3, 4.65; p<0.001) and to have received mental health services (25% vs 15%; AOR=1.89; 95% CI=1.6, 2.21; p<0.001) than unexposed youth. However, Black youth with incarcerated parents (19% vs 34%; AOR=0.38; 95% CI=0.27, 0.52; p<0.001) and Latinx youth with incarcerated parents (10% vs 17%; AOR=0.5; 95% CI=0.33, 0.76; p<0.001) were significantly less likely to report receiving mental health services than White youth with incarcerated parents and non-Latinx youth with incarcerated parents, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Youth with incarcerated parents were more likely to report utilization of mental health services, but significant racial and ethnic disparities exist between Black and Latinx youth with incarcerated parents compared with that among White and non-Latinx youth with incarcerated parents. There is a continued need to expand mental health services to youth with incarcerated parents and to address racial and ethnic disparities in access to care.